DJTechTools has just announced a new MIDI controller inspired by classic video game systems, MidiFighter.

MidiFighter is an ready-to-assemble MIDI controller that features 16 game-style buttons and 16 programmable LEDs. It can be customized and expanded, too.

MidiFighter MIDI Controller Details:

• Release Date: November 30th
• Price: TBA
• Plug and Play compatible device compliant midi controller
• USB powered
• Must be assembled (no expertise required)
• 16 programable buttons
• 16 programable LEDS
• Expandable to 20 programmable buttons and 4 analogue controls
• Limited Edition 200 piece run in this configuration (black PCB with white LEDS)

This thing looks like it’s going to be pretty insanely fun.

MidiFighter is a DIY kit – but it’s not hardcore DIY – it’s funcore DIY:

The Midifighter kit comes in a flat box that can be personally assembled in 5 minutes. Entry level moders can select the arcade button colors they want when ordering and assemble the kit into a custom configuration that fits their personal style or mapping. The arcade buttons snap into place thanks to our hand made clips that require zero soldering. Just screw together the frame using a simple allen wrench, snap in the arcade buttons and your custom controller is assembled and finished.

The finished controller is plug and play with super high quality low latency drivers and will work with all midi compatible software.

Because it’s a kit, you can customize it. Use color-coded buttons. Use the extra analog and digital input ports toadd mod wheels, joysticks, sliders and knobs. And if you want to get hardcore, the kit is totally open source so you can hack the firmware.

Pricing is TBA, but we should know soon, because they plan to release this November 30th.

Anybody interested? Leave a comment!

Blue Microphones

Yeti Features:

• The first USB mic to offer Blue’s condenser capsules in a  triple capsule array for the highest quality, most versatile audio recording capability
• Four patterns (Omni, Cardioid, Stereo, Bidirectional) for  versatility and superior results
• THX certification
• Studio quality performance and features, with zero latency, amplified headphone monitoring, microphone mute, and hardware-based gain adjustment
• Driverless installation and works with both PC and Mac.
• The Yeti’s angle can be adjusted on its custom-designed desk stand.

The Yeti microphone is designed to offer quality recordings in a wide range of situations, including podcasts, vocals, live or event recording, interviews, broadcasts, instruments, bands and more.

“THX testing and certification ensures the fidelity of the recording always remains true to its source” according to Matthew Chrispen, director of certification at THX, “allowing artists to accurately capture voice-overs, interviews and other sound elements with confidence.”

The Yeti, MSRP $149.99, will be available beginning December 2009.

If you’ve used the Yeti microphone, leave a comment with your thoughts on it!

Logidy has introduced the $49.95 UMI3 USB MIDI foot controller.

Description:

The UMI3 features 3 configurable footswitches and an input for an expression pedal, encased in a rugged steel stomp box.

It connects to a Mac or a PC through USB and shows up as a class compliant MIDI device. No driver is required. It is powered through USB.

It behaves like a three note keyboard right out of the box, but can be configured to send many other types of messages to take full advantage of the MIDI mapping features included in most of today’s DAWs. The configuration happens in a friendly setup panel for Mac or PC available for download at Logidy’s website.

The panel can also work as a step sequencer where the function of a given footswitch can be changed each time it is pushed, or when another switch is pushed. Setups can be designed to trigger as many as 24 different MIDI events.

The UMI3 is in stock and available for purchase immediately through Logidy’s website for $49.95 plus shipping.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Ben Brown plays his bizarre DIY monome guitar synth thing, aka the Guitarnome:

I’m playing the guitar I made from scratch, with a monome kit embedded in it. It was a long project… but fun.

Some parts are a bit out of tune(need to do some more guitar work) and Im still figuring out the setup(running 7up live on the monome). The audios pretty crappy on this recording unfortunately as my speaker setup was a bit janky… but hey! it was fun. Ran the vid through ScreenFlow for some super quick editing and export.

I’m using Ableton Live for my audio bits and a Presonus Firepod to process my voice and guitar signal. We kinda just did this spur of the moment so I didnt get the audio from Ableton.

The Guitarnome is not a traditional guitar synth, but rather a monome/guitar mashup.

The Guitarnome has a body made from cherry, wenge, and maple, a neck with a zebra wood fret board and a birds eye maple neck.  Brown embedded a Monome within the body and custom built the encasing for all the electronics. The Guitarnome has USB & 1/4″ outputs.

M-Audio has announced a redesigned Oxygen series of USB MIDI keyboard controllers.

Available in 25-, 49- and 61-key models, the Oxygen keyboards feature full-size velocity-sensitive keys along with sliders, knobs and buttons for tweaking and performing with software instruments.

With DirectLink, these same controls instantly map to a DAW’s mixer, pan, and transport functions, providing real time control with a variety of DAWs including Pro Tools, Cubase, Reason, Live, Logic and Garageband.

The Oxygen 25, 49, and 61 are currently shipping and carry an MSRP of $149.95/€87, $189.95/€107, and $249.95/€141 respectively.

TASCAM has announced the US-2000, a new one rackspace 16-input audio interface that’s expected to sell for under $500.

US-2000 features

• 16-in / 4-out USB 2.0 audio interface.
• 96kHz / 24-bit audio resolution.
• (8) XLR microphone inputs with phantom power.
• (6) 1/4? balanced line inputs.
• (4) 1/4? balanced line outputs.
• (2) 1/4? instrument inputs (chan. 7 & 8 on front panel “combi “jacks).
• Stereo S/PDIF digital in and out.
• 100-LED meter bridge (5 segments for each input and output).
• Zero-latency direct monitoring with mono/stereo switch for each pair of inputs.
• 1/4? balanced stereo monitor output with its own volume control.
• 1/4? stereo high-powered headphone output.
• Mac and Windows compatible.
• Steinberg Cubase LE4 48-track recording software included.
• High-tech, attractive aluminum case design.

If you’ve used the TASCAM US-2000 USB audio interface, leave a comment with your thoughts on it!Description:

Eight studio-grade microphone preamps welcome condenser microphones, and two of the mic inputs are on the front panel for easy access. An additional six balanced 1/4? line inputs are provided, as well as four balanced line outs and stereo digital I/O. The front panel features a 100-LED meter bridge for setting input and output levels.

The US-2000 connects to a computer through high-speed USB 2.0, and is priced about the same as less-capable 8-channel FireWire interfaces. Included with the TASCAM US-2000 is Cubase LE4, a 48-track workstation for Mac or Windows computers. It includes flexible hardware controls for zero-latency monitoring during recording.

The US-2000 will be available from TASCAM retailers in October at a projected street price under $500 USD.

This is a video demo of the C-Thru Music Axis 49 control keyboard.

Watch through for the prog-rock synth jam!

via guitarDouchebaggery:

I’m playing the AXiS for more than a month now and since there are hardly any videos of the 49 version on youtube, I thought I’ll make one.I’m not a real keyboardist though, so don’t overly criticise my solo, hahaThe thing I’m using to do the pitchbending etc. is a Korg nanoPad.You can find more infos about the AXiS 49 on http://www.c-thrumusic.com/

This is an overview of the Fantom VS Synthesizer built into the SONAR V-Studio 700R interface.

The Fantom VS includes 1400 patches suited for all kinds of productions and accepts Roland’s specialized ARX expansion cards for piano, drums, brass and more.

More info at the Sonar V-Studio site.

Description:

Delivering the exact same audio quality and performance as the acclaimed AUDIO 8 DJ and AUDIO 4 DJ interfaces that are used by professional club DJs worldwide, the AUDIO 2 DJ offers users of TRAKTOR and other DJ software a unique new balance of quality, size and price.

With a footprint no larger than a deck of cards, the bus-powered AUDIO 2 DJ literally fits in a pocket. At the same time, it can accommodate the most demanding club systems due to its studio-grade 24bit/96kHz Cirrus Logic converters and its special high-power output amplifiers capable of delivering a pristine +9.7dBu audio signal. Robust low-latency drivers for Windows and Mac OS X enable the responsiveness that DJs need for tight mixing.

The dual stereo outputs of the AUDIO 2 DJ provide the necessary connectivity to route two decks separately into an external DJ mixer, or to output independent master and cue signals when mixing in software. Two included RCA break-out cables make set-up fast and convenient, making AUDIO 2 DJ the ideal audio interface for travelling DJs who don‘t want to compromise on performance and quality.

AUDIO 2 DJ is available for purchase for a suggested retail price of $119 USD / 99 EUR.

Steinberg has introduced the CI2 Advanced Integration USB Studio, which combines an audio interface and control surface with Cubase AI 5 for a complete production solution.

CI2 costs €229.00/£191.00 and will ship to Steinberg resellers worldwide from the end of September 2009.

Description:

CI2 features many workflow features designed to make the entire hardware and software system very easy to use. The AI Knob controller becomes a sound browser with a single push, and is integrated into browser windows in Cubase to find the right instrument sound or loop more quickly by scrolling through and (de)selecting entries in the sound browser windows. Interactive Recording mode uses the optionally available footswitch for hands-free recording, ideal for guitarists and vocalists recording their own performances. The Project Assistant is a new Cubase AI 5 feature that offers a large range of templates for many production tasks and genres, allowing for setup of new projects in seconds. Highlighting ease-of-use and intuitiveness as one of the major design goals for CI2, Schreiber comments: “These features have one purpose: to simplify recording and production, reflecting the uncompromising focus on supporting newcomers to digital music production.”

The included Cubase AI 5 is a streamlined version of Steinberg’s highly successful Cubase 5, with audio technology found in countless professional production environments worldwide. Cubase AI 5 offers up to 48 audio tracks, 64 MIDI tracks, a range of audio and MIDI plug-ins including a new version of the AmpSimulator plug-in for guitarists, virtual instruments, editing features, comprehensive automation and much more. As with all Cubase and Steinberg hardware products, CI2 supports both Windows and Mac OS X.

DJ Magazine took the Akai Pro MPD32 for a spin.

The MPD32 is a MIDI-over-USB performance pad controller for DJs, programmers, producers, and others musicians.

If you’ve used the Akai Pro MPD32, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Akai Pro MPd32 Features:

• MIDI controller for production and performance
• MPC pads: bank of 16, velocity and pressure-sensitive
• Four selectable pad banks for a total of 64 sounds accessible from the pads
• Eight assignable Q-Link faders, eight assignable Q-Link 360° knobs, and eight assignable Q-Link buttons, all three banks
• MIDI-synced MPC Note Repeat and MPC Swing
• Two assignable footswitch inputs and expression-pedal input
• Dedicated transport controls
• Backlit, easy-to-read display
• MIDI-over-USB or MIDI operation
• USB powered or powered via optional AC adapter
• MPC 16-Level and Full Level
• Comes with custom versions of Ableton Live Lite, FXpansion BFD Lite, and Vyzor Editor Librarian software
• 30 user-definable presets for DAW applications

via AkaiProVideo

Kenton Electronics has introduced the USB Solo – a MIDI to CV converter for analog synthesizers. The USB SOLO replaces their 14 year old MIDI to CV converter, the Pro Solo.

The Kenton USB Solo is available now for £130. Details below.

Features for USB SOLO

• Designed to control all types of mono-synth
• Super-fast response time
• Famous Kenton build quality
• Rugged brushed aluminium case
• CV and Aux1 outputs use high specification 16 bit D/A converters for rock-steady pitches
• Gate / S-trig output configurable output to match virtually any synth
• Aux2 & Aux3 outputs are on-off only (zero or 5V)
• Dedicated DIN socket output for Sync24
• CV/Gate/Aux1,2,3 outputs on 3.5mm jack sockets (3.5mm to 1/4″ cables are available in our cables section)
• Any MIDI channel can be selected
• Switchable for V/oct & Hz/V & 1.2V/oct scaling systems
• Fine tune & scale are software controllable
• Transpose (coarse tune) – up & down 12 semitones
• Adjustable pitchbend range
• Programmable Gate V-trig (up to 15v) or S-trig (with or without pull-up)
• Multiple and single trigger modes – adjustable re-trigger time
• Note priority selection – newest / lowest / highest
• Old notes are remembered to facilitate trill effects and increase playability
• Portamento – fixed rate or fixed time modes
• Auto Portamento mode selectable (where legato playing turns on Portamento)
• Portamento Controller is selectable
• Programmable Auxilary outputs controllable by any MIDI controller
• Programmable LFO – 9 wave shapes inc. random
• LFO can modulate pitch &/or AUX output
• Separate Controllers for LFO to CV and LFO to AUX
• LFO can be synchronised to MIDI clock
• LFO sync point can be selected
• Key-on can reset LFO
• Aux3 output can output clock – Aux2 can output stop-start
• Clock output can select from 1 to 12, 24, or 48 clocks per quarter note
• All parameters are controllable in real-time by SysEx
• Set-ups are stored in non-volatile memory for easy recall
• 40 memory locations for store / load
• MIDI monitor mode – for easy MIDI troubleshooting
• USB powered
• Size 130mm x 97mm x 40mm
• Suitable for use with XP / Vista / MAC OS-X v10.2 onwards / Linux

Improvements over Pro-Solo mkII

• USB connection – faster data transfer
• Has 40 memories which can be stored and recalled
• Setups pre-loaded for popular synths
• Dedicated DIN Sync-24 output
• Aux 2 & 3 on 3.5mm jacks
• Variable gate-off time for re-trigger (multiple trigger)
• LFO start point can now be selected for Sample & Hold too
• Aux 2 & 3 have adjustable threshold
• Program changes can be used to recall memories

Apogee Electronics has introduced GIO – a complete guitar interface for Apple’s new Logic Studio 9, MainStage 2 and GarageBand ’09. GiO delivers access to Logic’s guitar amps and effects in a single foot controller and interface.

Here are the details:

Built for Logic Studio 9, Mainstage 2 and GarageBand ‘09

Designed to work with the new Logic Studio 9 and MainStage 2, GiO allows guitar players to control recording functions, preset changes and plug-ins like Amp Designer and Pedalboard, along with new Playback and Loopback features in MainStage. With GarageBand 09, GiO is plug-and-play and lets users quickly connect their guitar, select and control built-in Amps and stompboxes, and record.

Software Control with GiO

GiO stomp

• Stomp on it. Effects control without the mouse. Imagine finding your sound without going back and forth from your guitar to your Mac. With GiO, you can audition effects presets in GarageBand, Logic and MainStage, and turn effects on and off while playing or recording… all without touching your keyboard.
• Hands free recording. GiO frees you from key-command recording allowing you to concentrate on your performance and not the space bar. The five transport buttons on GiO let you record, play, stop and quickly navigate thru your track without taking your hands off the neck of your guitar.
• “Next” preset please. Previous and Next preset select buttons let you quickly audition and toggle between guitar amps and effects presets in Logic and GarageBand and the patch lists in MainStage.

Connections

• Instrument input – GiO’s 1/4” instrument input features Apogee’s world-class instrument preamp and converters. Hear and record your guitar’s true tone straight into Apple’s GarageBand, Logic and MainStage without compromise. GiO is optimized for all pickup configurations from the most basic single coil to sophisticated active electronics setups.
• MIDI Expression pedal input – GiO’s Expression control pedal input allows access to traditional effects like wah-wah, and volume. Also, control effects parameters like the length of a delay or the speed of a tremolo. (Expression Control Pedal not included)
• USB – GiO is fully powered by the USB connection to your Mac eliminating the need for an external power source. Simply plug into an available USB port on any Mac and you’re ready to go.
• Output: Headphones, monitors or instrument amplifier – Hear your guitar and recording like never before. Connect your headphones, powered monitors or instrument amplifier to Apogee converters via GiO’s 1/4” stereo output and listen to your guitar and mix with incredible clarity and dimension.

Apogee GiO is expected to ship in September 2009 and to retail for $395.

This video, via soundonsoundvideo, takes a look at the Akai LPK25 & LPD8 portable laptop music controllers, which were introduced at the 2009 Summer NAMM Show.

2009 Summer NAMM Show: This video provides a quick look at the new Akai LPK25 laptop performance keyboard.

2009 Summer NAMM Show: This is an official demo of the new Akai LPD8 Pad Controller.

2009 Summer NAMM Show: Hotness! Akai Professional has introduced the LPD8 laptop pad controller and LPK25 laptop performance keyboard controller.

The LPD8 and LPK25 will make their official debut at Akai Professional’s booth, number 400, at the Summer NAMM Show held at the Nashville Convention Center, July 17 – 19.

With the LPD8 and LPK25, Akai is taking on Korg’s nanoKontrol line directly. Korg’s nanoKontrol MIDI controllers feel a bit flimsy, so if Akai improves on this and stays competitive with their price, they’ll have a couple of winners.

Details below. Leave a comment with your thoughts on these bad boys!

Description:

The LPD8 and LPK25 are USB-MIDI controllers for musicians, producers, DJs and other music creators. Each model is less than 13 inches across and weighs less than a pound to easily fit into a laptop case, backpack or messenger bag for extreme portability.

The LPD8 is based on Akai Professional’s MPC line of iconic music product stations. While the smallest model, the MPC500 is quite portable, many producers prefer to work with software on their computer and the LPD8 gives their laptop the controls they prefer over a mouse and keyboard. The LPD8 has eight blue light-up pads that are velocity sensitive for programming rhythmic or melodic parts. The pads can also send program-change information to software. The LPD8 also has eight assignable Q-Link knobs to which users can assign virtually any parameters in their software for hands-on control.

The LPK25 is a scaled-down relative to the MPK series of keyboard performance controllers. The diminutive keyboard is made up of 25 miniature, velocity-sensitive keyboard keys with synth action. The LPK25 contains an arpeggiator, which steps through chords automatically, assisting musicians with creating quick melodic ideas. Sustain, octave up and down and tap tempo controls round out the LPK25’s easy-to-learn layout.

Each controller works plug and play with Mac and PC and requires no software driver installation or wall power for operation. Both the LPD8 and LPK25 have four memory banks for programming and recalling settings appropriate to different software programs they use.

“Today’s music is in constant evolution, and that requires the tools for music creation to evolve similarly,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Akai Professional. “The computer has entrenched itself as the new core of the music studio, and we are now seeing more live performance with computers than ever before. The LPD8 and LPK25 are the perfect extensions of the computer for making music in any setting.”

The LPD8 and LPK25 will be available from musical instrument and professional audio retailers Q3 2009. Pricing is TBA.

Livid Instruments has posted some preview videos of their new Ohm64 DJ/VJ control surface, and it’s clear that we’re not going to have trouble finding sexy, powerful control surfaces any more.

Between the Ohm64, the Akai APC40 and a bunch of other cool new controllers, it’s going to be tough deciding which one is the best fit for you and your music.

Ohm64 Features:

• USB Powered
• Bi-Directional MIDI communication
• Class-compliant: no drivers needed
• 75 Programmable backlight buttons for talk-back and interactive performance
• Programmable MIDI mapping allows you to change the MIDI settings on the hardware
• Immersion Gold Platted Circuit Boards
• Anodized Aluminum Faceplate
• Open Source software tools to create your own LED talkback interaction
• Ohm Core software included for MIDI editing, and LED talkback programming
• Cell DNA video performance software included
• Standard MIDI IN and OUT jacks
• Made in the USA by humans
• Available in Aluminum and Wood models. Wood is available in blue,
  red, natural, and unfinished so you can stain or paint it any color you
  want.

The Ohm64 retails for $599. See our previous coverage of the Livid Instruments Ohm64 for more details.

CME has introduced the WIDI-XU, a wireless MIDI interface housed in a Flash drive profile.

The WIDI-XU is the smallest member of the WIDI family, needing no MIDI IN/OUT port, just an USB plug. Plug it into your computer, to enable wireless Duplex MIDI data transfer with other CME WIDI products.

The WIDI-XU provides one-to-multi communication; one WIDI-XU can connect to many wireless MIDI devices, up to 64 MIDI channels. The WIDI-XU also has the same capability as other larger WIDI products, for example: 80m maximum wireless range, powerful error correction with automatic notes-off and on-line detection etc.

Features:

• USB class compliant for Win XP and Mac OS X, supporting hot plug. No driver needed.
• The working band is 2.4GHz ISM.
• USB RF transmission mode.
• Duplex wireless MIDI data transfer.
• Manual switching for one-to-multi communication (auto finding and selecting).
• Low power consumption, high speed, powerful error correction with automatic notes-off and on-line detection.
• Maximum wireless transfer distance is 262 feet without obstacle. (Your mileage may vary)
• 64 radio channels for MIDI data transfer, with manual or automatic radio channel setting mode.
• When connected to computer via USB, this product will be automatically recognized as the USB Audio Device, fully support MIDI data stream, compatible with Cakewalk, Sonar, Cubase etc.
• Automatic searching, manual or automatic channel setting and other system function can be controlled by the special MIDI SysEx command from USB.
• Powered and upgrade program via USB.
• Indicator for signal and power.

Introducing the worlds first USB flash memory drive shaped like the Akai MPC 2000XL, one of Hip Hop’s most classic drum machines / samplers. This is the long time favorite Sampler of producers such as Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, Just Blaze, Lil Jon and more! Akai’s powerhouse drum machine has been immortalized as a 4 GB USB flash memory drive. Every nuance of the Akai MPC 2000XL has been captured in extreme detail! These unique devices are perfect for Hip-Hop beat makers, producers, and enthusiast on the go. This is the only portable data storage solution that screams “Hip Hop”.

A SP1200 version is also available.

They sell for $39.95 plus shipping and handling, about twice what a standard 4gb flash drive costs. Screaming “hip hop” ain’t cheap, you know.